Final answer:
The statement is true; higher spinal cord injuries result in a greater loss of function due to the principle of localization of function, interrupting nerve signals to areas below the injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: The higher the injury, the greater the loss of function. This statement is true. The reason behind this is that the nervous system is organized in a way that corresponds injury location with functional loss. This is referred to as the principle of localization of function. When the spinal cord is injured at a higher level, more of the body is affected, leading to a greater loss of function below the level of injury. Because the spinal cord is part of the central nervous system that sends signals between the brain and the rest of the body, an injury to it can cause paralysis of all areas below that injury. This is due to the nerve impulses being interrupted which prevents communication from the brain to the affected limbs or body parts. Therefore, injuries higher up on the spine typically result in wider areas of paralysis.